Chapter 122

The transaction has been completed as the episode III ended.

I had already prepared for other sub-episodes in advance, and all that was left was to return to Rusmaier.

As I got on the carriage, I suddenly recalled Pollux’s advice.

– “Take some time to relax. If not, your world will forever remain in winter.”

That was the advice Pollux gave me.

“Huh? What do you mean by that?”

When I thought about it, Harnier tilted her head from the opposite seat.

Could she have heard?

“It’s nothing. Just something Pollux said.”

“…Your world remains in winter?”

Oh, she didn’t miss a word. There’s no point denying it here.

I decided to just spill it out.

“There’s not much to it. It’s just saying don’t overdo it.”

Indeed, if we were to pick the harshest and most dangerous season among the four, humans would definitely choose winter.

Spring, where warm sunlight bathes everything.

Summer, where rain and sunshine nurture countless crops.

Autumn, celebrated with harvests and abundance.

Compared to these three seasons, winter is an isolated season swept by chilling winds and biting cold.

Earlier, I suggested taking some time to relax.

Interpreting this further, it seems likely that it means to take things slowly.

“Right. You must have heard something?”

“What?!”

Then Harnier jumped up.

“What did you hear?”

“Don’t you know? You were the only one taken when I was away. It must be what Pollux said.”

“No… That’s not it! Nothing at all! It was just…”

“Just?”

“That’s…”

Harnier babbled and then stopped mid-sentence.

“I don’t know anything! It’s not that important!”

“Hmm… Well, yeah.”

Even if Pollux had told Harnier about it, there’s not much he could have said besides mentioning our contract engagement.

She hadn’t even told Pollux about our arranged engagement.

Surely, Harnier would have covered it well if any unexpected questions came up.

“But, if Pollux asks, tell him I don’t have time to rest right now.”

With this, Pollux wouldn’t say anything.

However, immediately after, Harnier narrowed her eyes.

“Carsein. You’ll keep your promise with me, right?”

“I understand. We agreed to rest for three hours a day.”

“You must. I’ll check that too.”

“Of course.”

I had also checked my limits thoroughly this time.

“Anyway, Carsein, what will you do once you reach Rusmaier?”

“Huh?”

“Hmm. I’m not returning to the Marquis House right away, but since I need to attend the Eastern Nobles’ Meeting, I need to plan my next steps.”

“Oh, that.”

▶Sub Episode. The transaction statement is ongoing.◀

▶The content of the transaction between Duke’s House, Carsein, Rusmaier, and Marquis House of Aiferos has been transmitted.◀

▶Claire Bargrand is expected to arrive at Rusmaier territory.◀

First, let’s resolve this.

“I’ll stay in Rusmaier for a few days. I need to transport gravel to the Yarikin and strengthen the local residents’ power.”

“Ugh, so Pollux mentioned more training again… And?”

“Guests will come. The transaction statement has reached the Duke’s House.”

“…They must be your family.”

“Yes.”

Since this sub-episode is done, Claire will come instead of Arina. She will bring several choices, and I’ll make sure Arina can’t interfere.

When I return to the Duke’s House, I can avoid the ‘rest period’ called Dead Flag in the next episode.

“Okay. That’s settled. What’s next?”

Next.

It’s time for a decisive move.

“───I’m going there.”

-Knocking sound-

At that moment, Harnier, who was recording the schedule, dropped her pen.

“Are you crazy?! Why are you going there…!”

She stood up abruptly, looking bewildered, and shouted at me.

That makes sense.

It’s an irrational judgment from a common sense perspective.

Moreover, considering the approaching Eastern Nobles’ Meeting, it’s even more incomprehensible.

“But, it’s necessary for me.”

Chapter 2 creates a new episode by handling sub-episodes. Unless Carsein takes action to create episodes himself, he will eventually face a bad ending.

Most sub-episodes usually involve absurd actions. Even in the Rusmaier territory episode, it started because they wanted to buy their own land.

Despite this, Harnier sat down calmly and collected herself.

“What are you thinking…?”

If other characters heard this, they might have said he was crazy, demanded to stop it, or tried to prevent it.

She calmly asked what I was thinking, seriously asking if I had a plan.

This doesn’t fit at all.

“Don’t worry. I won’t harm you.”

It’s best to draw a line here. We are already in a planned relationship. Getting too involved could complicate things later.

Then, Harnier’s attitude changed dramatically.

“Really? You’re going to do this?”

Why isn’t she reacting as expected?

She crossed her arms and glared at me.

“You won’t harm me? Well, I’ll have to see that myself.”

“Harnier?”

“I don’t believe you. Remember how you slept until morning due to Defeshan Syndrome? You said two hours of sleep would be fine, but that lie was exposed.”

“…That’s true, but this time is different.”

“I don’t care. I’ve experienced it before, so I can’t trust your words. Since I don’t know what will happen there, I’m coming with you.”

What? Coming with me?

She still had her arms crossed, glaring at me.

“Why not? Is there any reason against it?”

“…Not really, but is it really necessary? Without a good reason—”

“Sure.”

Tap.

Harnier’s index finger touched her lips horizontally, interrupting my words.

“As your fiancée, I have the right to follow my fiancé. That’s enough reason for me.”

She assumed this relationship could break and added that she would follow me to the end.

Why is she doing this?

Even though she knows it doesn’t make financial sense as a merchant.

-Hihiih!

“The carriage has arrived. Shall we stop here?”

She released her arm, taking an escort pose.

…This woman is truly beyond comprehension.

I sighed and got off the carriage.

***

Three days have passed since I returned to Rusmaier after completing the transaction with Pollux.

Much has changed.

Firstly, real guests started arriving.

“Wh-What is this? This huge tunnel…?”

“Not a tunnel, but a passage.”

“Who are you?”

“I am Melic, guarding this passage.”

“I am Tony.”

“Passage means… You can use this path by paying a toll?”

“Correct!”

Waglew Mountain was high and rugged, with only a winding road available.

But, a passage?

Anyone hearing about this unusual passage would naturally become curious.

And this curiosity doesn’t just stop there.

“Look, unfold the map!”

“I already have it open!”

“So, the path we’ve used until now… Is this?”

“Yes, but because Waglew Mountain is hard to cross, trade was difficult.”

“But if this passage is open… It’s unbelievable. The rumors weren’t false, then?”

The passage connected to the mysterious tunnel everyone had only heard about through rumors actually exists.

“Why are you dawdling there! Hurry up!”

“If you’re not going, get out!”

“I’ll go! How much is the toll?”

“Hmm. Based on the belongings and people, according to the rules—”

In just a few days, dozens, no, hundreds of visitors have come.

Those who quickly realized the convenience of transportation kept visiting nonstop.

There are no threats from monsters or bandits, and bright magic stones light up the dark areas every night, making it usable anytime.

Moreover, sculptures made by artisans were scattered inside, captivating the nobles’ attention.

Rusmaier transformed into a new center of transportation and tourism.

And it continued steadily.

“My Lord!”

“What kind of magic did you cast on our territory?!”

Melic and Tony exclaimed.

“How much did you earn today?”

“Look at this. It’s too much to count. With this, we can quickly cover the remaining construction costs!”

“Plus, merchants passing through will buy lots of things. No need to go to expensive territories!”

Indeed, it was worth getting excited.

Rusmaier’s finances improved drastically in just a few days.

▶Reward for exceeding choice results: Resource levels in Rusmaier have tripled!◀

▶Reputation greatly increased. Rusmaier’s reputation does not fall below grade A!◀

The status window confirmed this.

The results of clearing the episode were clearly displayed.

The more I progress, the more cautious I must be.

“Both of you, go train too.”

“Yes, My Lord!”

This kind of gain means there are losses too.

That’s why I needed the help of the Marquis House of Aiferos.

“Huff!”

“Haaah!”

The sound of weapons being wielded echoed in Rusmaier.

These shouts were the villagers’ efforts to strengthen their power, inspired by the Yarikin teaching them how to catch monsters.

Of course, it wasn’t just monsters.

“Woah…!”

“Phew. It’s over?”

“Kian! How can you lose to the same thing repeatedly! Humans are different from monsters. We have intelligence!”

“Sorry!”

Like the three knights of Count Modrich wearing bandit hoods, there’s no guarantee they won’t raid this village.

Moreover, after the tunnel was completed, those who might push forcefully could appear.

So, they are also learning large-scale combat.

The real enemy in Rusmaier is the nearby nobles.

Thus, Rusmaier is cultivating its own strength to resist.

And so,

“I feel like we’re receiving more than teaching. It’s quite something.”

“Don’t mind it. I’m also training to keep my body in shape.”

Level 33

▶SP automatically used on ??? stat!◀

▶Strength 5.11

▶Agility 6.28

▶Endurance 6.37

▶Health 4.68

▶Immunity 1.33

▶??? 33%

The status window winked at me.

Stats aren’t increasing dramatically compared to before, but levels are rising well.

Even if it looks stagnant, it means growth is steady.

Even if I leave the Duke’s House, growing like this should allow me to protect myself without problems.

Of course,

“Hmm… May I ask for another lesson later, Your Highness?”

“Sure.”

I want to leave the Duke’s House as soon as possible.

***

After training, I was pushed onto Barak’s back and headed towards a house I’d never seen before.

It became a house rather than a room because the village chief, Barak, decided to start building houses with the remaining money from Rusmaier. He had already begun work since I left.

Entering the unfamiliar building, I found a cozy room.

And.

Suddenly, excruciating pain hit me.

“Argh…! What is this…!”

-Ding!

▶Secondary side effects of Defeshan Syndrome have occurred!◀

…What?